Radiant Climate Control Structure

ABSTRACT

A radiant climate control system having a panel system. The panel system includes a first panel and a second panel. The first panel has an attachment surface. An impermeable channel is formed in the attachment surface. The second panel is attached to the attachment surface and covers at least a portion of the impermeable channel. The second panel has a greater thermal conductivity than the first panel to promote thermal energy transfer between a fluid in the impermeable channel and an environment proximate the panel system through the second panel. The panel system is joined with a compatible panel system, and the impermeable channel of the first panel is mated with a compatible channel of the compatible panel system, thereby allowing fluid communication between the panel system and the compatible panel system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a hydronic radiant heating and/or cooling system. More specifically, the present invention relates to a hydronic radiant heating and/or cooling system formed from prefabricated radiant heating and/or cooling structures that may link to each other such that there is fluid communication between the structures.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,182,903 to Fiedrich, discloses a hydronic radiant heating and/or cooling system comprising modular panels. Each modular panel comprises a metal plate or sheet on a board or boards providing a slot into which tubing is inserted and held against the plate in intimate thermal contact therewith. The plate is heated/cooled by conduction of heat between the water in the tubing and the plate. Two or more sets of hinged panels unfolded at their hinges and arranged end to end provide elongated spaces into which the tubing is inserted and held against the radiation plate. The panels of a set are arranged in a regular staggered relationship so that such sets unfolded and arranged end to end abutting each other interlock.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,832,159 to Kayhart, discloses an in-floor radiant heating system having a tube that is received into low profile panels. Channels are formed in the top of the panels. The channels can have a neck shaped top section and a circular shaped bottom section. The bottom section has a diameter that is larger than the width of the top section. The diameter of the tubing is smaller than the diameter of the bottom section to ensure a snug fit.

It is desirable to provide a panel system having a more direct means for transferring thermal energy between a thermal source and a room or some external environment than the tubing systems described in the art. A panel system that maximized thermal transfer by minimizing mediums through which the thermal energy needed to pass would generate the desired result.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the present invention, a radiant climate control system comprises a panel system; comprising a first and a second panel. The first panel may comprise an attachment surface. At least one impermeable channel may be formed in the attachment surface. The at least one impermeable channel may be open along the attachment surface. The second panel may be attached to the attachment surface and cover at least a portion of the at least one impermeable channel. A portion of the second panel covering the channel may be impermeable. The second panel may have a greater thermal conductivity than the first panel to promote thermal energy transfer between a fluid in the impermeable channel and an environment proximate the panel system through the second panel.

The panel system may be joined with a compatible panel system, and the impermeable channel of the first panel may be mated with a compatible channel of the compatible panel system, thereby allowing fluid communication between the panel system and the compatible panel system. The impermeable channel of the first panel may be mated with the compatible channel of the compatible panel system by a sealing fixture.

In some embodiments, the first panel may comprise a foam such as a polystyrene foam, a polymeric foam, a composite foam, a metal foam, or a ceramic foam.

In some embodiments, the channel has a breadth no wider than at an opening of the impermeable channel and the breadth may continually narrow as it extends from the opening of the impermeable channel.

In some embodiments, the impermeable channel has a supply end and a return end. The supply end may be in fluid communication with a fluid supply line, and the return end may be in fluid communication with a fluid return line. The impermeable channel may have a supply end in fluid communication with a fluid supply line and a return end in fluid communication with the compatible channel of the compatible panel system. Valves may connect the supply end to the fluid supply line and the return end to the fluid return line.

In some embodiments, the impermeable channel is substantially parallel with at least one additional channel. The impermeable channel may be interconnected with at least one additional channel. The impermeable channel may be spaced substantially evenly from a plurality of additional channels.

In some embodiments, the impermeable channel opens up into a cavity. The cavity may have a pillar disposed within the cavity. The pillar may structurally support the second panel. The cavity and the impermeable channel may have rough interiors.

In some embodiments, the first panel is supported by a first beam and a second beam disposed on opposing sides of the first panel. The panel system may be structurally supported by the compatible panel system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a building structure showing a panel system forming a base of the structure.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a panel system with first and second panels separated to show impermeable channels.

FIG. 3 is an orthogonal cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a panel system.

FIG. 4 is an orthogonal cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a panel system showing turbulent fluid flow through an impermeable channel.

FIG. 5 is a perspective partially-exploded view of an embodiment of a first panel and supporting beams.

FIG. 6 is an orthogonal cut-away view of another embodiment of a first panel showing a cavity.

FIG. 7 is an orthogonal cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a panel system showing pillars within a cavity.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a building structure showing a panel system forming a wall of the structure.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a building structure showing a panel system forming a ceiling of the structure.

FIG. 10 is an orthogonal view of another embodiment of a building structure showing circulation within the structure.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a panel system showing an impermeable channel comprising a winding pattern.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a panel system showing a sealing fixture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION AND THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1 discloses an embodiment of a building structure 100 in the form of a room. In other embodiments, the building structure may be a garage, a patio, a deck, a sidewalk, or another structure known in the art. At least one panel system 105 may form a base 110 of the building structure 100. The base 110 may structurally support the weight of the building structure 100, weight of objects in or on the building structure 100, or other forces that may need support from the base 110. The panel system 105 may transfer thermal energy between a fluid and the building structure 100 and the environment within or proximate the building structure 100. The panel system 105 may radiantly heat the building structure 100 and the environment proximate the building structure 100.

FIG. 2 discloses an embodiment of a panel system 201 comprising a first panel 202 and a second panel 203. The first panel 202 may comprise a foam such as a polystyrene foam, a polymeric foam, a composite foam, a metal foam, or a ceramic foam. Foam materials are generally formed by trapping pockets of gas within a material. These pockets of gas may be isolated as is the case with closed-cell foams. The pockets may also be connected as is the case with open-cell foam. The foam may support loads that may be present on and/or in the first panel 202.

The first panel 202 may comprise an attachment surface 204 that may form a side of the first panel 202 that is closest to an environment to be heated or cooled. The attachment surface 204 may comprise at least one impermeable channel 205 formed in the attachment surface 204. A surface of the impermeable channel 205 may be consubstantial with the first panel 202 in that the first panel 202 may comprise a material impermeable to fluid. In other embodiments, the first panel 202 may not be formed of an impermeable material and the impermeable channel 205 may be formed by spraying, lining, or coating the channel with an impermeable material.

A fluid may flow through the impermeable channel 205. The impermeable channel 205 may prevent the fluid from being absorbed by the first panel 202. Preventing the first panel 202 from absorbing the fluid may increase the life of the panel system 201 and decrease the amount of heat loss in the panel system 201. Decreasing heat loss in the panel system 201 may increase the efficiency of the radiant heating process.

The second panel 203 may be attached to the attachment surface 204 and may cover at least a portion of the impermeable channel 205. The second panel 203 may also seal an opening 206 of the impermeable channel 205. In some embodiments, a portion of the second panel 203 covering the impermeable channel comprises an impermeable surface. The impermeable surface may prevent the fluid that is passing through the impermeable channel 205 from being absorbed by the second panel 203.

The panel system 201 may be joined with at least one compatible panel system 207. The panel systems 201 and 207 may be joined by welding, joining, bolts, other processes, or combinations thereof. The panel system 201 may be structurally supported by the compatible panel system 207. This structural support may form a more stable base for the structure since shifting of the panel system 201 with respect to the compatible panel system 207 may cause stresses to arise in the panel system 201. Joining the panel system 201 with the compatible panel system 207 may prevent shifting and reduce the probability of premature failure of the panel system 201.

The impermeable channel 205 may comprise a supply end 209 and a return end 210. The supply end 209 may be in fluid communication with a fluid supply line 211, and the return end 210 may be in fluid communication with a fluid return line 212. The panel system 201 may also have valves connecting the supply end 209 to the fluid supply line 211 and the return end 210 to the fluid return line 212.

The impermeable channel 205 of the first panel 202 may be mated with at least one compatible channel 208 of the compatible panel system 207. Mating channels 205 and 208 may allow fluid communication between the impermeable channel 205 and the at least one compatible channel 208. The mated channels 205 and 208 may only require a single fluid supply line 211 and a single fluid return line 212. The single fluid supply line 211 and the single fluid return line 212 may transport fluid from a fluid source to the panel system 201 and the compatible panel system 207. Minimizing the amount of supply and return lines may decrease the amount of energy required to pump the fluid through the system and decrease thermal energy losses in the system.

In the embodiment shown, the impermeable channel 205 is substantially parallel with at least one additional channel 215. The impermeable channel 205 may be spaced substantially evenly from a plurality of additional channels. Such spacing may arrange the impermeable channel 205 and the at least one additional channel 215 such that the fluid transfers thermal energy substantially uniformly through the second panel 203. Transferring thermal energy substantially uniformly may create a substantially consistent environment superjacent the panel system 201. The impermeable channel 205 may be interconnected with at least one additional channel to allow the fluid flow to be controlled and to therefore control the transfer of thermal energy to the environment superjacent the panel system 201. The impermeable channel 205 and the at least one additional channel 215 may be disposed to meet specific needs of the structure.

FIG. 3 discloses an embodiment of a panel system 301. In the embodiment shown, a second panel 303 comprises a corrugated shape 320. In other embodiments, the second panel may be flat. However, it is believed that the corrugated shape 320 may increase the surface area of the second panel 303 in contact with a fluid passing through an impermeable channel 305 that may increase the amount of thermal energy transfer between the fluid and the second panel 303. The corrugated shape 320 may be formed on a surface of the second panel 303 contiguous with an attachment surface 304 of a first panel 302. The second panel 303 may have a thermal conductivity greater than the first panel 302.

The impermeable channel 305 may comprise an opening 306, a base 314 and side walls 315. A breadth of the impermeable channel 305 may be defined as the distance between the side walls 315 at a given depth in the impermeable channel 305. The breadth may be widest at the opening 306. The breadth of the impermeable channel 305 may continually narrow as it extends from the opening 306 towards the base 314. The side walls 315 may connect the opening 306 and the base 314. The side walls 315 may have a curved shape.

FIG. 4 discloses another embodiment of a panel system 401. An impermeable channel 405 of a first panel 402 may comprise a rough interior 416. The rough interior 416 may have a corrugated shape. The rough interior 416 may cause a turbulent fluid flow 417 through the impermeable channel 405. A turbulent fluid flow 417 may circulate fluid in the impermeable channel 405 such that the fluid on an upper portion 418 of the impermeable channel 405 moves to a lower portion 419 of the impermeable channel 405, and the fluid in the lower portion 419 of the impermeable channel 405 moves to the upper portion 418 of the impermeable channel 405 where it may come in contact with the second panel 403. Hence, fluid from the upper and lower portions 418 and 419 of the impermeable channel 405 may conduct thermal energy to the second panel 403. Thermal energy transfer from both portions of the impermeable channel may efficiently use the thermal energy from the fluid.

FIG. 5 discloses an embodiment of a first panel 502. The first panel 502 may be supported by a first beam 520 and a second beam 521 disposed on opposing sides of the first panel 502. The first beam 520 and the second beam 521 may be C-beams. The first beam 520 and the second beam 521 may each comprise a web 522 a and 522 b with a plurality of flanges 523 a and 523 b. The first panel 502 may be in contact with the web 522 a and 522 b and flanges 523 a and 523 b. A side surface 524 of the first panel 502 may be in contact with the web 522 a. An attachment surface 504 and a bottom surface 525 of the first panel 502 may be in contact with the flanges 523 a.

In some embodiments, the first and second beams are I-beams. I-beams may have a similar geometry to two C-beams that have been interlinked. I-beams may reduce the amount of labor required to assemble the system by omitting the process of interlinking the beams. I-beams may have reliable mechanical properties that have not been altered by welding or joining processes.

FIG. 6 discloses another embodiment of a panel system 601. In the embodiment shown, an impermeable channel 605 opens up into a cavity 626. The cavity 626 may have a greater breadth than the impermeable channel 605. The cavity 626 may have a greater depth than the impermeable channel 605. A fluid may enter the cavity 626 from the impermeable channel 605 proximate a supply end 609. The fluid may pass through the cavity 626 into an impermeable channel 605 proximate a return end 610. The panel system 601 may further comprise a plurality of pillars 627. The plurality of pillars 627 may be disposed within the cavity 626. The plurality of pillars 627 may be disposed in a pattern that optimizes fluid flow through the cavity 626. The pillars 627 may reduce pooling of fluid along edges 628 of the cavity. The pillars 627 may comprise a symmetrical shape. In some embodiments, the pillars may comprise an asymmetrical shape.

FIG. 7 discloses another embodiment of a panel system 701 with at least one pillar 727 disposed within a cavity 726. The at least one pillar 727 may structurally support a second panel 703. The at least one pillar 727 may also minimize deflection of the second panel 703.

The at least one pillar 727 may cause a turbulent fluid flow 717 through the cavity 726. A turbulent fluid flow 717 may circulate the fluid in the cavity 726 such that the fluid on an upper portion 718 of the cavity 726 may move to a lower portion 719 of the cavity 726, and the fluid in the lower portion 719 of the cavity 726 may move to the upper portion 718 of the cavity 726 where it may come in contact with the second panel 703. Hence, fluid from the upper and lower portions 718 and 719 of the cavity 726 may conduct thermal energy to the second panel 703. Thermal energy transfer from both portions of the cavity may more efficiently transfer the thermal energy from the fluid.

FIG. 8 discloses an embodiment of a building structure 800 shown as a room. The building structure 800 may comprise a panel system 801. The panel system 801 may form part of a wall 829 of the room. A first panel 802 may insulate the room while a second panel 803 may be exposed to an interior 830 of the room. The second panel 803 may have a covering 831 attached to it that may form a protective layer between the second panel 803 and the interior 830 of the room. The panel system 801 may be configured to transfer thermal energy between the panel system 801 and the interior 830.

FIG. 9 discloses another embodiment of a building structure 900 comprising a panel system 901. The panel system 901 may form part of a ceiling 932. A covering 931 may form a protective layer for the panel system 901. The panel system 901 may be configured to transfer thermal energy between an interior 930 of the building structure 900 and the panel system 901.

FIG. 10 discloses another embodiment of a building structure 1000 comprising a panel system 1001. The panel system 1001 may comprise a second panel 1003 comprising heat fins 1033. The heat fins 1033 may comprise a thermally conductive material and more surface area than a flat surface. A greater surface area may allow the heat fins 1033 to transfer a greater amount of thermal energy.

In various embodiments, the panel system 1001 may be disposed in an upper portion of a wall 1029, in a ceiling 1032, or in a space above the ceiling 1032 within the building structure 1000. The panel system 1001 may transfer thermal energy into the air proximate the panel system 1001 causing the temperature of the air to increase. As the air proximate the panel system 1001 becomes heated it may rise. Air below the heated air may rise to fill a void left by the heated air. These events may repeat and result in a cycle that causes a circulation 1035 of air in the building structure 1000. The circulation 1035 may heat the environment within the building structure 1000. In some embodiments, a panel system is configured to cool the air proximate the panel system which may cause a circulation that cools the environment within a building structure.

FIG. 11 discloses another embodiment of a panel system 1101. The panel system 1101 may comprise an impermeable channel 1105. The impermeable channel 1105 may be in fluid communication with a compatible channel 1108 of a compatible panel system 1107. A supply end 1109 of the impermeable channel 1105 may be in fluid communication with a fluid supply line 1111. A return end 1110 of the compatible channel 1108 may be in fluid communication with a fluid return line 1112. The impermeable channel 1105 may comprise a winding pattern. The winding pattern may increase the potential length of the impermeable channel 1105. A longer channel may have a greater surface area in contact with a second panel (not shown). A greater surface area may increase the amount of thermal energy transferred to the second panel and to the environment superjacent the panel system 1101.

FIG. 12 discloses an embodiment of a panel system 1201. A first panel 1202 may comprise an impermeable channel 1205 that may be mated with the at least one compatible channel (hidden) of a compatible panel system 1207 by a sealing fixture 1236. The compatible panel system 1207 may comprise sealing fixture notches 1237. The sealing fixture notches 1237 may be formed in surfaces of a compatible first panel 1238 and a compatible second panel 1239 of the compatible panel system 1207. The sealing fixture 1236 may be disposed partly in the sealing fixture notches 1237 of the compatible panel system 1207. The sealing fixture 1236 may seal a gap between the panel system 1201 and the compatible panel system 1207 around the channels, therefore, mating the channels. The sealing fixture 1236 may prevent a fluid from leaking in areas that the channels are mated. The sealing fixture 1236 may comprise a material impermeable to fluid. The sealing fixture 1236 may comprise a rubber material. The sealing fixture 1236 may assist in joining the panel system 1201 to the compatible panel system 1207.

Whereas the present invention has been described in particular relation to the drawings attached hereto, it should be understood that other and further modifications apart from those shown or suggested herein, may be made within the scope and spirit of the present invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A radiant climate control system, comprising: a panel system comprising a first panel and a second panel; the first panel comprising an attachment surface comprising at least one impermeable channel formed in the attachment surface; the second panel attached to the attachment surface and covering at least a portion of the impermeable channel; wherein the panel system is joined with at least one compatible panel system; and wherein the impermeable channel of the first panel is mated with at least one compatible channel of the compatible panel system.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the first panel comprises a foam selected from the group consisting of a polystyrene foam, a polymeric foam, a composite foam, a metal foam, and a ceramic foam.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the second panel has a thermal conductivity greater than the first panel.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein a portion of the second panel covering the channel is impermeable.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the impermeable channel comprises a breadth no wider than at an opening of the impermeable channel.
 6. The system of claim 5, wherein the breadth continually narrows as it extends from the opening of the impermeable channel.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the first panel is supported by a first beam and a second beam disposed on opposing sides of the first panel.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein the panel system is structurally supported by the compatible panel system.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein the impermeable channel of the first panel is mated with the compatible channel of the compatible panel system by a sealing fixture.
 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the impermeable channel is substantially parallel with at least one additional channel.
 11. The system of claim 1, wherein the impermeable channel is interconnected with at least one additional channel.
 12. The system of claim 1, wherein the impermeable channel is spaced substantially evenly from a plurality of additional channels.
 13. The system of claim 1, wherein the impermeable channel comprises a rough interior.
 14. The system of claim 1, wherein the impermeable channel opens up into a cavity.
 15. The system of claim 14, wherein the cavity comprises a rough interior.
 16. The system of claim 14, further comprising at least one pillar disposed within the cavity.
 17. The system of claim 16, wherein the at least one pillar structurally supports the second panel.
 18. The system of claim 1, wherein the impermeable channel comprises a supply end in fluid communication with a fluid supply line and a return end in fluid communication with a fluid return line.
 19. The system of claim 18, further comprising valves connecting the supply end to the fluid supply line and the return end to the fluid return line.
 20. The system of claim 1, wherein the impermeable channel comprises a supply end in fluid communication with a fluid supply line and a return end in fluid communication with the compatible channel of the compatible panel system. 